OPDOP Survey Reflects Shifting Drug Trafficking Dynamics in Latin America Michael Lohmuller - InSight Crime
go to original July 23, 2015

Percentage of respondents perceiving drug reduction policies based on police and persecution of users as ineffective. (OPDOP)

An investigation conducted by a non-governmental organization into perceptions of drug activity in Latin America reflects changing patterns in trafficking routes and consumption habits, as well as evolving opinions on drug policy.

The most recent report (PDF) by the Latin American Observatory for Drug Policy & Public Opinion (OPDOP) compiles results from surveys on drug use and policy in the region. Researchers conducted almost 9,000 interviews in nine Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Many Latin American nations believe drug trafficking and the availability of narcotics is on the rise; on average, 67 percent of those surveyed felt drug trafficking had increased over the last five years. The exception is Colombia, where only 34 percent felt drug trafficking activity went up during that time. Argentina had the highest percentage of respondents (92 percent) who considered drug trafficking had increased.

As far as the availability of specific drugs, 78 percent of all interviewees said marijuana had become easier to obtain. Once again, Argentina had the highest ratio of respondents (90 percent) who expressed this sentiment, followed closely by Bolivia at 87 percent.

Similarly, 74 percent of respondents across all countries perceived an increase in the availability of cocaine. This perception was highest in Bolivia (88 percent) and Argentina (87 percent), and lowest in Colombia (63 percent).

Throughout the region, 45 percent of respondents felt illicit drug consumption should be considered a citizen security issue, while a similar number (44 percent) felt it should be treated as a public health issue. Mexicans are the most likely to view drug consumption as a health issue (58 percent), while Bolivians (67 percent) are the biggest proponents of a security response to drug use.

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